i believe the rake on the pista is 35-38? a 43 isn't exactly close.

also, the 29er guys run rigid carbon forks for XC, and there are plenty of carbon 'cross forks. the material itself is not the problem...it can be designed/built to deal with *plenty* of stress. obviously an ultralight road race fork is not the ideal choice for urban trials / XC / 'cross...i'm sure it will survive the odd curb drop however.